On stage for the holidays

In upcoming weeks, seasonal performances will fill area stages like goodies in stockings, with the holidays a time for both performing - and enjoying.

This year's Christmas and other holiday performances include 30th anniversary productions of "A Christmas Carol" at the Hippodrome State Theatre and "The Little Match Girl" by The Gainesville Ballet Theatre - and the 42nd year of "The Nutcracker" by Dance Alive National Ballet.

Here's a look at the holiday chestnuts rolling your way in and around Alachua County today through the next several weeks: